HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR CREDIT AND MINIMIZE LOSS

1. Learn about Identity Theft, Phishing , and Pharming

2. Monitor your accounts carefully:

a. Use Online Banking to keep track of all your transactions

i. Immediately report any transactions you did not initiate
ii. Do not give out any information over the telephone to persons claiming to be from FREESTAR BANK unless you are absolutely satisfied the caller is from the bank. If in doubt, get a call back number and the name of the caller. Call the bank at our number, not the call-back number, and ask if the person and number are valid.
iii. Do not respond to e-mails purporting from the bank with a link to log into your account. If in doubt, go to the website by typing the bank web address into the address line of your browser
iv. Have up to date virus scanning, spyware and malware detection, and firewall protection on your computer and scan and update regularly
v. Do not allow account information such as usernames and passwords to be saved on your computer

b. Use Web BillPay to assure secure bill payments

i. Payments guaranteed by CheckFree to arrive on time
ii. Payment investigation in case biller does not credit payment
iii. Paying through e-bills and eliminating paper statements heightens security

c. Monitor your credit cards at the website for the company issuing the card if one is available

i. Immediately report transactions you did not originate.
ii. Sign up for e-statements and stop paper statements and courtesy checks from being mailed to you
iii. Shred any part of your statements not necessary to save for financial records.
iv. Store all filed statements in secure area
v. Shred all credit card offers you do not wish to use
vi. Cut up old cards no longer in use

3. Make copies of the fronts and backs of all credit cards and of your drivers’ license and social security card. Record the customer service telephone number next to each card. Keep these copies locked up in a safe place. Keep a second copy in your safe deposit box or in secure storage off-premises in case of loss, fire or storm damage to your home or office. (It is best to make copies every year or so, credit card companies change processing facilities occasionally and the information may become outdated. Also, companies issue new cards when the old ones expire; information on the new card may be different, and the security pin on the back or front will change when a new card is issued.)

a. When traveling, take only the credit cards you will need to use. Lock the rest up safely at home
b. Never carry your Social Security card. Keep it in a safe place at home.

4. Order a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once a year. A good way to do this is to order from one agency every 4 months. Check the report carefully and challenge any unfamiliar credit accounts. Click here to receive a free copy of your credit report.

5. Opt out of the information sharing to third parties and associated businesses. Periodically your credit cards must mail you a “Privacy Statement”. In the statement will be a paragraph, probably near the end, where you may choose to “Opt Out” of information-sharing. It will often require either a telephone call or written request. When you notify them that you wish to opt out, the company cannot give out your information to anyone not directly associated with the processing of your account.

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